This week members of the Alpha Imaging Collective pair up with Artisans Don Smith and Gary Hart to explore the landscapes of New Zealand’s South Island. From the majestic lakes and sounds to the sprawling hills and peaks – they are promising us some epic imagery.

Meet the crew and follow along at #AICdoesNewZealand.

Mike Meyers (@mmeyers76)

Mike’s Go-To Setup: Sony α7R III with the 24-70mm f/2.8 GM

“The 24-70mm is my go-to lens for versatility and sharpness. I can get beautiful wide landscape shots at 24 then zoom in tighter for details, giving me tons of opportunities for different comps and shots without having to switch lenses.”

“It’s almost impossible to choose one thing to be most excited about on a trip to New Zealand. I’ve been wanting to shoot there for years. Given the abundance of mountains and water, and the fact that the Milky Way will be at its brightest while we’re there, I’m probably most stoked about doing astro work and night time lapses. I cannot imagine a more epic place to shoot the night sky.”

Kyle Huber (@asenseofhuber)

Go-To Setup: Sony α7R III with 16-35mm f/2.8 GM and 70-200mm f/2.8 GM

“I’ll be shooting on the α7R III for this trip, mostly with the 16-35mm GM wide-angle lens. I will also have the Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 GM with me for when I want to get a closer look at my subject.”

“I’m most looking forward to shooting the sunrises and sunsets in New Zealand, especially the morning at Wanaka Willow. I have an idea for a video that I can’t wait to bring to life! I also hope to photograph a wide variety of landscape scenes filled with different colors and dramatic textures. My feed is about to be taken over by lots of mountains, lakes and hopefully some animals, too!”

Ashley Brehm (@ashleyinwanderland)

Go-To Setup: Sony α7 III with 16-35mm f/2.8 GM

“This focal length allows me to get both the landscape and a person in the same frame without it being distorted. Probably my favorite lens to use when photographing people in nature.”

“On this trip I think I am most excited about capturing the vast landscapes that New Zealand has to offer. I have visited the country before and I was left mind blown at all the beautiful landscapes there. I am also really excited to work alongside other photographers that I’ve looked up to for quite some time. It’s always an amazing learning experience working with other photographers who may have a different technique than you.”

Jessica Santos (@missjessbess)

Go-To Setup: Sony α7R III with the 16-35mm f/2.8 GM

“I love this combo for landscape photography with the wide angle I can get a lot of the scene in the shot and with the fast aperture, it’s a great lens for astrophotography. The high megapixel count, dynamic range and new features make the α7R III my favorite camera I’ve ever used.”

“I am most excited about creating new connections, and collaborations, I’m definitely looking forward to meeting the other Collective Members and seeing what we can create together. I am also excited to have the opportunity (weather permitting) to be able to photograph the Milky Way in the Southern Hemisphere, to be able to see how the stars that I look at constantly, look different in other skies.”

Oveck Reyes (@oveck)

Go-To Setup: Sony α7R III with the 16-35mm f/2.8 GM

“This camera with all the capabilities specially now, with the new updates for wild life and possible portraits, not to mention the high resolution to get all the details in every shot. The 16-35mm f/2.8 GM will allow me to get as much coverage as possible on my landscape shots as well as the Astro at night specially having that fast aperture of 2.8.”

“I am very excited to visit New Zealand in general, but I am most excited to visit New Zealand with this group of creators in which some already I know, and to be able to learn and share great moments with them as well as create my possible best work yet.”

Connor Surdi (@connorsurdi)

Go-To Setup: Sony α7R III with the 24mm f/1.4 GM

“I love how wide the 24mm is while still being a great walk around lens.”

“I am most excited for Milford Sound as well as Mt. Cook/Aoraki. I've seen tons of photos before but can't wait to see these beautiful sites with my own eyes! I'm also extremely excited to spend a week out in nature with a bunch of like-minded creatives, always a good time.”

Anthony Castro (@theanthonycastro)

Go-To Setup: Sony α7R III with the 16-35mm f/2.8 GM

“Not only does that guarantee high quality Images, but the two work great for landscape photography as well as astro; helping me capture a wide range of mountains/stars almost giving the viewers a full picture of what it was like to be there.”

“I’m most excited to be capturing the foreign landscape of New Zealand for the first time alongside some truly talented photographers. When we are all together the creativity just flows making what we love to do such a remarkable time.”

Victoria Siemer (@witchoria)

Go-To Setup: Sony α7R III and Sony α7R II

“I'm actually going to be experimenting with a double camera setup for this trip. I will have both the α7R II and α7R III, two tripods, and a variety of lenses. I'll be using the α7R III as my main camera, which I'll keep on me with a light tripod for more exploratory/freehand shooting. I'll be using the α7R II and a heavier tripod to simultaneously capture video/time-lapses while I'm wandering around. While it means I'm going to have a heavier backpack during our hikes, it also means I get the opportunity to capture more motion, which is something I find myself always wishing I had more of when it comes time to edit my pieces.”

“I'm most excited to build an archive of imagery for my digital manipulation work. Everything that I shoot on this trip will be integral to my work for the next few years. Living in Brooklyn I don't have easy access to dramatic landscapes. I also work full-time as a designer and my time off is limited. So the opportunity to go to New Zealand with the collective where our sole purpose is to shoot from sun up til well after sun down (yay astro) is really monumental for me.”

Andy Best (@andy_best)

Go-To Setup: Sony α7R III with the 16-35mm f/2.8 GM

“Resolution and astro are a huge goal for me on this trip and these are the perfect fit for that!”

“I plan to capture several time-lapses on this trip. As well, as many astro scenes as I can. I've never photographed the night sky in the southern hemisphere and I can't wait to learn more about the constellation differences. It's going to be a wonderful learning experience!”

Charlee Wild (@CharleeWild)

Go-To Setup: Sony α7R III and 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM

“I will be bringing my α7R III to get those high-res landscape shots, hopefully wildlife too! I will be bringing my beloved 100-400mm GM with the 2X teleconverter for those mountain top details & super close wildlife shots.”

“I'm most excited about see these EPIC New Zealand landscape that flood my feed. I'm also super excited to spend time with the other Alpha Collective members & get to know them. Hopefully lots of gorgeous photos will be captured & laughs will be had!”

And meet our amazing Artisan Guides who will be taking the crew on this adventure of a lifetime. You can join their workshops in New Zealand as well. For more information on these, visit donsmithphotography.com.

Gary Hart (@garyhartphoto)

Go-To Setup: Sony α7R III with the 24-105mm f/4 G

“I’m most excited about photographing the Southern Hemisphere Milky Way in the dark New Zealand skies.”

Don Smith (@don_smith_photography)

Go-To Setup: Sony α7R III with the 24-105mm f/4 G

“I’m most excited about the winter light and dramatic scenery.”